About us

After falling under Essaouira’s spell in the mid-2000s, we worked with local builders, artisans and artists to create Dar 91. The apartments, and ground floor space below, are carved out of a crumbling 18th century watchtower - one of four in the medina built to keep an eye on raids from the forest.

Chbanat – our sleepy, mostly residential quarter of the Medina - is still dotted with tiny weaving and thuya carpentry workshops. Whereas many parts of town have gentrified hugely in recent years, Chbanat retains a special, authentic charm.

Owner-manager Paolo Barbieri has welcomed guests from all over the world since 2006, and always takes great care to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

We operate as a registered Moroccan company, filing accounts annually and paying all taxes, fair wages and national insurance contributions for our staff. We also give 5% of our profits to local charities and neighbours who need help.

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What can I say about your fantastic house...... it was wonderful, we loved it so much. Essaouira is both charming and vibrant, exciting and chilled. Our girls will carry wonderful memories around with them, as will we. Came home and painted my front door blue..huzzah!